EDUCATION.

Wairarapa Daily Times, 18 February 1935, Page 4

EDUCATION.

“The foundation of every State is the education of its youth,” runs a dictum attributed to Diogenes, and its truth is so simple and obvious that it .is rather surprising how often the fundamental importance of education is overlooked for what are termed more “practical” matters. Yet what can be more practical, more vital, and more Avide-reaching in daily affairs, and even in the business of making our bread and butter, than the training of our children? Education is not, or should not be, something academic, aloof, up in the clouds, but the direct concern of every parent and every citizen. The future is in the hands of our youth and our teachers. The development of the spirit of world peace depends largely on the outlook of the children. Thus a great responsibility rests on the teachers. In some countries to-day a feverish nationalism is actually turning education into militarist propaganda. Only a wise education. which preaches a constructive patriotism and the value or peace can effectively combat such unfortunate teaching. In the clash between democracy and dictatorship, once again the principles of freedom can only be maintained by democratic communities Avhich are truly educated, Avell informed and sound in judgment. What is true in the political sphere is equally true m regard to social and economic problems. The first requisite of a stable and progressive society is an educated citizenry, and the foundation of that education is laid by the teachers in our schools.